
Anathema by Aleksandr Kuprin (1900)
The novel revolves around the protagonist's struggle with his own morality and sense of purpose after witnessing a brutal execution. He becomes increasingly disillusioned with society and its values, leading to a downward spiral into madness and despair. The story explores themes of existential crisis, nihilism, and the breakdown of social norms.
By Aleksandr Kuprin · First published 1900 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Religious Fiction, Psychological Fiction · 3,572 words
First lines
"Father Deacon, stop burning that candle. You won't get far at this rate," said the archdeacon's wife. "It's time to get up."
What this Textopian page supports
Anathema is listed on Textopian as a short story by Aleksandr Kuprin, dated 1900 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Aleksandr Kuprin
- Date: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Religious Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Drama, Satire
- Length: 3,572 words
- Structure: 1 section, 72 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Anathema by Aleksandr Kuprin
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Anathema?
- How does this short story by Aleksandr Kuprin fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of faith, morality, and personal conflict, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Religious Fiction — The narrative centers around a religious figure and delves into themes of orthodoxy and heresy.
- Psychological Fiction — The protagonist's internal struggles and emotional turmoil are central to the plot.
- Drama — The story features intense emotional conflicts and character interactions typical of dramatic literature.
Tags
Russian Literature · Psychological Fiction · Philosophical Themes · Existentialism · Social Commentary · Critique of Society · Human Condition · Moral Ambiguity · Free Will vs Determinism · Tragic Hero · Alcoholism · Addiction
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